In one of my lessons, one student asked me how to say "when 2 things cannot be done or achieved at the same time" in English proverb. I couldn't remember very clearly and I only know it has a "cake" in it, so I immediately went to do a search, and found,
"(You can't) have your cake and eat it".
Well, finding it was simple, but the pronunciation was something I would like to add a few extra words to it.
Most people, I guess, only read it the usual way, like they read 2 separate sentences, "You can't have your cake" and "eat it". The problem is that the word 'have' isn't really referring to 'possess', but 'eat', just like,
"Did you have your lunch at 1pm?"
"Yes, I had my lunch then."
So when saying this proverb, the correct way putting a stress on the word 'have' by saying,
"You can't HAVE your cake and EAT it".
By putting the stress on 'eat' as well would balance the stresses on the main verbs on both sides, thus conveying better meaning.
Also, not to forget that this proverb is used in suggesting contraditions or giving advice, so your intonation should match the meaning of this wonderful proverb as well.
Speak with accuracy!
Happy Learning!
Locky
Languages are tunnels that lead to the worlds of infinite knowledge (so have fun with the English language!) -- Locky
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Welcome to my English Playground!
My dear students,
Welcome to my English Playground!
I called this blog my English Playground because I want to share my passion for English with you and hope that some day after reading it, you will find English really fun to learn!
In this blog, I will cover a wide range of topics and touch on funny little things of English which I recently come across. They are most likely topics which I do not have time to discuss in my lessons, but will be such a shame if I do not mention it. Through sharing them with you, I do hope that will strengthen our connections and find joy and excitement in this marvellous language.
I welcome all kinds of questions and I will pick good ones to share with everybody.
For now, I would like to thank you for visiting this blog and I hope you will enjoy your time reading it.
Keep in touch! See you in my entries!
Cheers!
Locky
Welcome to my English Playground!
I called this blog my English Playground because I want to share my passion for English with you and hope that some day after reading it, you will find English really fun to learn!
In this blog, I will cover a wide range of topics and touch on funny little things of English which I recently come across. They are most likely topics which I do not have time to discuss in my lessons, but will be such a shame if I do not mention it. Through sharing them with you, I do hope that will strengthen our connections and find joy and excitement in this marvellous language.
I welcome all kinds of questions and I will pick good ones to share with everybody.
For now, I would like to thank you for visiting this blog and I hope you will enjoy your time reading it.
Keep in touch! See you in my entries!
Cheers!
Locky
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